Perkins-Everitt Lighting & Controls Experience Center

5605 Murray Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 United States

Building Area (sf): 11,564

Completion: September 2020

Architect of Record:

Evans Taylor Foster Childress (ETFC) Architects

Rusty Foster, AIA; Nicholas Pirani, AIA; Kathryn Westervelt, NCIDQ

• Owner/Client:
• General Contractor: Grinder Taber Grinder
• Electrical: Electrical Consultant: Joseph S. Hendren, PE
  Engineering Consultant: Barham/Cain/Mynatt Inc.
  Other-Lighting & A/V: Perkins-Everitt Lighting & Controls
  
  
• Engineering:
  
• Other:
  
• Photography:
  1 - Expansive & Welcoming Lobby: Joe Luther
  2 - Lighting Accent Wall in Lobby: Laura Gray McCann
  3 - Open Office: Joe Luther
  4 - Conference Room with custom light cove: Joe Luther
  5 - Women's Restroom: Joe Luther
  6 - Training Room/Lobby View: Joe Luther
  7 - Training Room: Joe Luther
  8 - Cafe/Kitchen: Joe Luther
  9 - Cafe with custom lighting capabilities: Joe Luther
  10 - Game/Activities Room: Joe Luther
  

An Experience Center that inspires and empowers designers; changing the way a lighting agency interacts with its community. Design gallery, work, and community gathering space features over twenty different ceiling types showcasing over 100 unique lighting fixtures and the flexibility to stay focused on the future of lighting.

Perkins-Everitt Lighting & Controls is a lighting agency that believes lighting design deserves thoughtful details, dependable products, and elevated expectations. These values are embodied in the design of their new office space, Perkins-Everitt Lighting & Controls Experience Center.

Enter the expansive lobby and there is no doubt that the PELC Experience Center is a showroom and entertaining space. Exciting fixture options abound and shine in an exposed ceiling, while an accent wall draws visitors to an equally plush seating area. Opposite is a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that provides a glimpse of the state-of-the-art multi-use training room. Company values of collaboration and openness are exemplified in the “work” side of the building, an open office concept with space for twenty-four employees. Private offices have glass walls as to not lose connection and accessibility with staff in the open office. A range of more private spaces including a “huddle room” and private phone room, a nursing space in the restroom, and a larger-than-life game room are thoughtful inclusions providing diverse spaces that communicates that staff—and visitors—are truly valued. The central position of the lobby allows for circulation around the building from the “work” side to the “play” side: glass walls throughout keep the open, techy feel for the conference room, server room and restrooms located at the lobby’s rear. A spacious café with full kitchen doubles as a gathering space for employees during the workday with plenty of room and technology options for hosting and entertaining friends, family, and community.

ETFC and PELC collaborated throughout the design process to ensure an optimal lighting experience. The team integrated the sophisticated controls for the lighting and top-of-the-line technology throughout the building, including programmable motorized shades and lighting that maximizes natural daylight throughout every facet of the interior or, when needed, provides immersive experiences for presentations or movie nights. Carpeting and finishes are vibrant and bold—each carefully-planned to ensure all light fixtures and design finishes are portrayed correctly.